THERE are hopes that a new subdivision in Robinvale will alleviate the shortage of housing in the area.
Swan Hill Rural City Council’s acting corporate services director Helen Morris said the subdivision works in Ronald Street were in response to an apparent high demand for housing in Robinvale.
“The recent lack of construction in the Robinvale area was evidence of market failure,” Ms Morris said.
“Council determined that entering the housing market directly would be beneficial to the wider community,” she said.
“We all know that Robinvale is facing a housing crisis.
“There are no homes for workers – itinerant farm workers, skilled farm workers and managers, and professionals like doctors and accountants.
“This has put pressure on everyone in Robinvale.”
Ms Morris said the land had been subdivided into eight blocks to build eight houses in two stages.
“Developing this land is one way that we can provide some new housing in Robinvale,” she said.
“We believe this will not only provide new houses for Robinvale workers, but also encourage a local building business to expand, or bring a new builder to town, stimulating the local economy and encouraging others to develop too.”
The council is seeking expressions of interest for design and construction.
It is expected the first four houses will be completed in the first half of 2021.
